VIRTUAL READING SERIES PLAY FESTIVAL - January 19 - 29, 2021 - Atlantic ...
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Neil Pepe Artistic Director Jeffory Lawson Managing Director presents VIRTUAL READING SERIES PLAY FESTIVAL January 19 – 29, 2021 Co-Producers Guadalís Del Carmen Kwame Kwei-Armah Associate Artistic Director Annie MacRae Associate Producer Abigail Katz We acknowledge that the Atlantic Theater and School buildings were built on the occupied traditional lands of the Lenape people. We are grateful to the Indigenous caretakers of these lands and honor the Lenape Nation who continue to thrive today.
Tuesday, January 19 | 6pm EST Wednesday, January 27 | 6pm EST
MEET THE WRITERS WHO IS THE CARIBBEAN
Moderated by Alisha Espinosa
IN AMERICA TODAY?
Thursday, January 21 | 6pm EST Moderated by Alisha Espinosa
LET THERE BE LOVE Thursday, January 28 | 6pm EST
By Kwame Kwei-Armah
Directed by Reggie D. White TIGRESS OF SAN
Friday, January 22 | 6pm EST DOMINGUE
By France-Luce Benson
MIXFEST DOUBLE BILL Directed by Awoye Timpo
Directed by Dominique Rider Friday, January 29 | 6pm EST
I USED TO LOVE H.E.R.
By Jasmine Lee-Jones
ABDUCTION
A SHERO’S JOURNEY OR
By Whitney White WHAT ANACAONA AND
Tuesday, January 26 | 6pm EST YEMAYÁ TAUGHT ME
By Guadalís Del Carmen
A COLLECTION OF Directed by Awoye Timpo
SHORT PLAYS
By Jeff Augustin, Julissa Contreras,
Dane Figueroa Edidi & Patrice
Johnson Chevannes
Directed by Danielle A. Drakes
Tigress of San Domingue was generously
underwritten by Diane M. Miller.LET THERE BE LOVE REGGIE D. WHITE (Director) is a New York-based
multidisciplinary artist and educator who most
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: GRENADA recently appeared in the Vineyard Theatre’s
We honor the Land of the Arawak and Carib virtual piece, Lessons in Survival, which he
peoples, originally named Camerhogne. co-conceived. Before Broadway began its
This land was first colonized by the French indefinite shutdown, he also appeared in the
in 1672 and later by the British in 1763. 11-time Tony-nominated 2-Part epic, The
Against all odds and guided by their culture Inheritance. Other acting credits include
and sacred practices, the Arawak and Carib NYTW, The Public Theater, 59E59, Arden
survived colonization by escaping to the high Theatre, Berkeley Rep and La Jolla Playhouse.
mountains and to more remote parts of the As a director, his work has been featured
island, itself. at Bay Street Theatre, The Public Theater,
Atlantic Acting School, NY Winterfest, Bay
We acknowledge the Indigenous peoples of Area Children’s Theatre, Berkeley Playhouse,
this land and their ancestral influences by way AlterTheatre Ensemble and more. He is an
of oral traditions, culture and spirituality still alum of the Atlantic Acting School, where
present today. We celebrate the resilient Taíno, he now serves as School Artistic Director, a
Arawak and Carib peoples who continue to recipient of the TBA TITAN Award, the TCG
thrive in this area and all over the world. Fox Fellowship, and is a company member
of The Williams Project, a living wage theatre
KWAME KWEI-ARMAH (Playwright, Co-Producer) company. www.reggiedwhite.com
became Artistic Director of the Young Vic
Theatre in 2018. He was Artistic Director of RENIKA WILLIAMS (Gemma) is a New York based
Baltimore Centerstage (2011-18) and Artistic actor originally from Dayton, Ohio. She
Director of the Festival of Black Arts and recently made her Off-Broadway Debut in All
Culture, Senegal (2010), where he wrote and the Natalie Portmans by C.A. Johnson at MCC
directed the opening ceremony at Senghor Theater. Off Broadway: The Climb (Cherry
stadium. As a playwright, Kwame was the first Lane Theatre), Sweet (National Black Theatre).
African Caribbean to have a play produced Select Regional Theatre: The World Premiere
in London’s West End (Elmina’s Kitchen). of Dominique Morisseau’s Mud Row (People’s
His triptych of plays was produced at the Light Theatre), Pipeline (Actor’s Theatre of
National Theatre, where he later created Louisville & Indiana Repertory Theatre), Toni
the online resource The Black Play Archive. Morrison’s The Bluest Eye (Arden Theatre
Kwame was Chancellor of the University of Company), Antigone (Cincinnati Playhouse
the Arts, London (2010-2015), is Patron of in the Park) & A Raisin in the Sun (Cincinnati
Ballet Black, The Black Cultural Archives, and Shakespeare Company). Television: “Modern
Chair of Warwick Arts Centre Advisory Board. Love” Season 2 on Amazon Prime. BFA in
Kwame was awarded an OBE for Services Acting from Wright State University. www.
to Drama in 2011, and in 2020 listed as one renikawilliams1.com. Matthews 5:14.
of 100 Great Black Britons. Whilst Artistic
Director of Baltimore Center Stage, Kwame MARIN IRELAND (Maria). Theater credits include
directed: Jazz, Marley, One Night in Miami, Blue Ridge, Reasons to be Pretty (Theatre
Amadeus, Dance of the Holy Ghosts, The World Award, Tony nomination), The Big Knife
Mountaintop, An Enemy of the People, The and After Miss Julie, both also on Broadway,
Whipping Man, Things of Dry Hours. Other Ironbound, Kill Floor, Blasted, Marie
directing includes: Twelfth Night, Comedy of Antoinette, Summer and Smoke, Three Sisters
Errors, Much Ado About Nothing, Detroit’67 and Cyclone (Obie Award), among others.
(Public Theater), The Liquid Plain (Signature Television and film work includes Light From
Theatre/Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Porgy Light, The Irishman, “Sneaky Pete,” “Girls,”
and Bess (Baltimore Symphony Orchestra), “Homeland,” “Masters of Sex,” The Divide,
the Olivier-nominated One Night in Miami “The Slap,” Sparrows Dance, The Family Fang,
(Donmar Warehouse), One Love (Birmingham 28 Hotel Rooms, In the Radiant City, Hell or
Repertory Theatre). His playwriting credits High Water, Glass Chin (Independent Spirit
include Tree (MIF, Young Vic), One Love Award nomination) and Flint, in which she
(Birmingham Repertory Theatre), Beneatha’s portrays activist Melissa Mays.
Place (Baltimore Center Stage), Elmina’s KEVIN MAMBO (Alfred). Actor/Director/
Kitchen, Fix Up, Statement of Regret (National Producer/Composer/Playwright: Sheldon on
Theatre) Let There Be Love, Seize the Day Marvel’s “Luke Cage,” “Spin City,” “Happyish,”
(Tricycle).“High Maintenance,” “The Blacklist,” “Guiding with answering the question: “What is a world
Light,” “One Life to Live,” “Elementary,” all unmade by slavery?” They have worked as a
5 L&O (!), Film: Second Civil War, Cadillac director and collaborator at The New Group,
Records, Nina…, Lynn Nottage’s productions Audible, BRIClab, NYU, Harlem9, Ensemble
of Mlima’s Tale, Ruined, Sweat, Junior in Studio Theatre, The Haiti Cultural Exchange,
Fortress of Solitude, Broadway: Book of MCC, The Old Globe, The Lark, Soho Rep,
Mormon, The Color Purple and starring in The Atlantic, The Bushwick Starr, Clubbed
Fela! In addition to his skill as a vocalist he Thumb, Long Wharf, Flux Theatre Ensemble,
is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist WP and The Movement Theatre Company.
(vocals, keys, guitar and sax) and composer They are the director in residence for the
with Blaz and the 88 Sound and Audio Deluxe. National Black Theatre through 2021, a
BFA at the School of Dramatic Arts at USC 2021 BRIClab resident artist, a 2019 NAMT
in Los Angeles, 3 consecutive nominations directing observer and an inaugural member
and two consecutive Emmys for Outstanding of Roundabout Theatre Company’s Directing
Younger Actor in Drama Series (‘96, ‘97, ‘98). Group. www.dominiquerider.com
“Flying Hobos” (co-writer/director/producer/
composer/swing), NASA Space Grant
Consortiums, State Humanities Councils, I USED TO LOVE H.E.R.
HBCU schools, NEA and NEH.
JASMINE LEE-JONES (Playwright, Actor) is an actor
SUSANNA JARAMILLO (Stage Manager) is a New and writer based in North London. Her first
York based stage manager and director hailing full-length play Seven Methods of Killing Kylie
from Cranford, New Jersey. Recent credits Jenner opened at The Royal Court in July 2019
include: We’re Gonnna Die (Second Stage), and won the 2019 Evening Standard Award
Sunday (Atlantic Theater Company). Select for Most Promising Playwright, the 2019
Academic Theatre: The Good the Bad and the Stage Debut Award for Best Writer, the 2019
Uglee (University of Pennsylvania Glee Club), Alfred Fagon Award, the 2020 Critics’ Circle
Smokefall (iNtuitons Experimental Theatre), Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright
High School Musical (Stimulus Children’s and won the European New Talent Drama
Theatre), BatBoy: The Musical (Pennsylvania Award 2020. Other writing credits include My
Players). Graduate of the University of White Best Friend (Bunker Theatre, 2019),
Pennsylvania with a BSE in chemical and Curious… (Guildhall/Brainchild), Dark Matter
biomolecular engineering. (Beyond the Court), Say Her Name, Drinking
Concrete [co-writer] (Open Court). Training
includes Royal Court Supergroup (2018-
MIXFEST DOUBLE BILL: 2019), Guildhall School of Music and Drama
(2016-2019), the BBC London Writers’ Group
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: JAMAICA (2017), The Andrea Project Writing Group
Usa Weyu da luku, Good morning my people. (2017) and Soho Young Writers’ Lab (2016).
We honor the Land of the Arawak and Taíno In theater, she is currently under commission
peoples, originally named Xaymaca (land of to the Royal Court Theatre, Soho Theatre,
wood and water). This land was first colonized Headlong Theatre. Screen work includes a
by the Spanish in 1494, and later by the British short community-led film in development
in 1655. Against all odds and guided by their with the Young Vic, an original TV series with
culture and sacred practices, the Arawak and Motive, and adapting a major novel into a TV
Taíno survived colonization by escaping to the series for Potboiler/BBC.
high mountains and to more remote parts of
the island, itself.
We acknowledge the Indigenous peoples of
ABDUCTION
this land and their ancestral influences by WHITNEY WHITE (Playwright) is an Obie Award
way of oral traditions, culture and spirituality and Lily Award-winning director, writer, and
still present today. We celebrate the resilient musician originally from Chicago. She is a
Arawak and Taíno people who continue to believer of alternative forms of performance,
thrive in this area and all over the world. multi-disciplinary work, and collaborative
processes. She is the current recipient of the
DOMINIQUE RIDER (Director) is a director and Susan Stroman Directing Award, is part of the
dramaturg based in Brooklyn, New York. Rolex Protegé and Mentorship Arts Initiative,
They believe in l[i/o]ving like it is the end of is an Associate Director at Shakespeare
the world. Dominique’s work is concerned Theater Company and an Associate Artist atThe Roundabout. Recent directing: The Amen to the ancestors. All Power to all people.
Corner (Shakespeare Theatre Company), linktr.ee/ajbrady @bradynotthebunch J
Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (WP Theatre and
Second Stage, NYT Critic’s Pick), Aleshea TRAVIS ARTZ (Alien) is an NYC-based actor,
Harris’ What to Send Up When it Goes Down songwriter and musician. You can hear his
(The Movement Theatre Company, Woolly voice as Hot Rod on the animated series,
Mammoth Theatre Company, American “Transformers: Cyberverse!” His band, baby
Repertory Theatre, The Public Theater, NYT chemist, just released their newest single, “I’ll
Critic’s Pick), An Iliad (Long Wharf), Canyon Still Be Here,” an astral Americana, cosmic
by Jonathan Caren (LA Times Critic’s Choice country ballad that’s available everywhere
and recipient of the CTG Block Party Grant, you get music. Thanks to the cast, team,
IAMA), Jump by Charly Evon Simpson Dominique and Atlantic Theater Company!
(National New Play Network Rolling World
Premiere, PlayMakers Rep). Digital projects SUSANNA JARAMILLO (Stage Manager). See bio
include: What is Left Burns by James Ijames under Let There Be Love.
(Steppenwolf), Finish the Fight by Ming Peiffer
(The New York Times, 30K+ viewers), Animals
by Stacy Osei-Kuffour (Williamstown Theatre
A COLLECTION OF SHORT PLAYS:
and Audible) and Soft Light by Aleshea Harris
(The Movement Theatre Company). Her
IN ASYLUM
original musical Definition will debut at the LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: JAMAICA
Bushwick Starr in 2021 and her five-part cycle Usa Weyu da luku, Good morning my people.
deconstructing Shakespeare’s women and We honor the Land of the Arawak and Taíno
female ambition is currently in development peoples, originally named Xaymaca (land of
with American Repertory Theater (Boston, wood and water). This land was first colonized
MA). Past residencies and fellowships: by the Spanish in 1494, and later by the British
Sundance Theatre Lab, Colt Coeur, The Drama in 1655. Against all odds and guided by their
League, Roundabout Theatre Company and culture and sacred practices, the Arawak and
the 2050 Fellowship at the New York Theatre Taíno survived colonization by escaping to the
Workshop. MFA Acting: Brown University/ high mountains and to more remote parts of
Trinity Rep, BA: Northwestern University. the island, itself.
AMARA BRADY (T) (She/Her/Hers) is a generative DANIELLE A. DRAKES (Director) is a multi-
artist & cultural dramaturg from Chicago. faceted theater professional with extensive
At the crux of her artistry is uplifting Black experience in performance, directing and
women and connecting underserved arts administration. Born in Queens, NY to
communities to theatrical experiences. Acting: a Panamanian father, Drakes has lived and
Bernarda’s Daughters (The Lark), Annie worked in Washington, DC area theatre for
Golden: Broadway Bounty Hunter (Barrington 15 years. Most recently, she directed the DC
Stage Co.), NYTW, 54 Below, Joe’s Pub & regional premiere of Kill Move Paradise at
others. She’s a member of Iconis & family. Rep Stage (MD). Additionally, she developed
Playwriting: This is Where We Go (MCC), Last and directed the world premiere of Theater
Ones First (Crux VR in association with Blair Alliance’s acclaimed Klytmnestra: An Epic
Russell Productions); When We Were gods Slam Poem. A dynamic retelling of the classic
(Blackboard collective + Kervigo Ensemble); tale written to vindicate a mother slain by her
Radio Roots Writers Group (The Parsnip own son’s hand. Her work on Klytmnestra
Ship); inaugural member of the Showdogs earned her a Helen Hayes nod for outstanding
playwriting collective, and a member of direction. Additional DC professional credits
SHECreates NYC’s Myths and Legends include Theater Alliance, The Kennedy Center,
program. Her work has been staged at The and Ford’s Theatre, where she originated the
Drama League, The Dramatists Guild, Joe’s role of Elizabeth Keckley in History on Foot
Pub and The Wow Cafe Theatre. Producing: (recipient of the Helen Hayes, The Washington
Theatre Communications Groups National Post Award). Ms. Drakes is a proud member
Conference (2019). NYT’s Critic Pick, Jillian of Actors’ Equity Association and the Stage
Walker’s SKiNFoLK (Associate Producer). Directors and Choreographers Society. She
YouTube series, ‘Skinny & White’ Aren’t received her MFA from The Catholic University
Character Traits. In This Paper I’ll Explain. of America and is an Artist of the Spirit
Resist, check your privilege & then give some certified Life, Energetic and Spiritual Coach.
space to Women of Color & Trans Folx. Ashé To learn more visit mizdakescreates.comPATRICE JOHNSON CHEVANNES (Playwright, Actor) is Alison Bomber (voice coach currently with the
an award-winning, Brooklyn-based filmmaker, RSC). In 2020, Patrice garnered Drama Desk
actress, writer, educator, director and the and Drama League nominations for her work
founder and executive producer of God- in runboyrun/In Old Age, and an AUDELCO
and-all-o-wee Productions. She was born in nomination for her role in Halfway Bitches
Jamaica, West Indies, grew up in New York Go Straight To Heaven. Patrice can be seen
City and started her undergraduate career in the Netflix drama, “Chambers,” starring
at Cornell University, where she discovered Uma Thurman and Tony Goldwyn, the Emmy
that acting and not engineering was her Award winning “POSE” FX Season 2 starring
calling. Leaving Cornell behind she began Billy Porter, and “SHRILL” on Hulu, Season 2
studying acting at The City College of New starring SNL’s Aidy Bryant. Patrice recently
York (CUNY), graduating Phi Beta Kappa, joined the faculty of The New School, where
with a Bachelors of Fine Arts. From there, she she teaches acting in The School of Drama at
began a vibrant and multifaceted career, which The College of Performing Arts.
included acting in numerous plays on and
off Broadway. She has shared the stage with
acclaimed actors such as Academy Award
COQUITHCO
Nominees, Liam Neeson and Laura Linney in LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Crucible and Sir Patrick Stewart, opposite Usa Weyu da luku, Good morning my people.
whom she played Desdemona, in Othello. We honor the Land of the Taíno people,
Patrice also has collaborated with acclaimed originally named Ayiti (land of mountains),
directors such as Sir Richard Eyre (former Bohio (home) and Kiskeya (roughless far
Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare land). In 1492, Cristobal Colon and his men
Company) with whom she did Racing Demon landed on these shores and began the cycle of
and The Crucible on Broadway; Sir Trevor colonization. Against all odds and guided by
Nunn (former Artistic Director for the RSC their culture and sacred practices, the Taíno
and Tony Award winning director of Cats) on survived by escaping to the high mountains
Shakespeare’s Pericles at Theater For A New and to more remote parts of the island, itself.
Audience “TFANA”; Sir Michael Boyd (former We acknowledge the Indigenous peoples of
Artistic Director of the RSC) on Tamburlaine this land and their ancestral influences by way
at TFANA; John Ortiz (Artistic Director of The of oral traditions, culture, and spirituality still
LAByrinth Theater Company) on Pulitzer Prize present today. We celebrate the resilient Taíno
winning playwright, Stephen Adly Guirgis’, people who continue to thrive in this area and
Halfway Bitches Go Straight To Heaven, a all over the world.
co-production with The LAByrinth Theater and
Atlantic Theater Company; Awoye Timpo and JULISSA CONTRERAS (Playwright). Dominicana
Loretta Greco, on runboyrun/In Old Age, two from the Bronx, is a creator of the Ladies
plays in Mfoniso Udofia’s, Ufot Cycle at NYTW; Who Bronche podcast and the YouTube hit
Robert O’Hara on Henry V with The Public “Shit Spanish Girls Say.” She is a writer, poet,
Theater’s Mobil Unit; Peter Sellars (acclaimed actor, and innovator. Julissa worked in the
director and educator) at The Venice Biennale nonprofit industry for over 10 years both in
International Festival of Theater; Rebecca theatrical and youth development capacities
Taichman (Tony Award Winner, Indecent) on and continues to bridge the two worlds to
Danai Gurira’s Familiar at Yale Repertory; create dialogue and art that reflects society’s
Jude Kelly (Artistic Director of the Southbank overlooked voices through advocacy. In all
Centre in London and Cultural Curator of the of her work, Julissa focuses on elevating
2012 London Olympics) on Othello; Anne necessary dialogue through creating
Bogart and Julia Wolfe (Pulitzer for Music) on connected experiences. Most recently, Julissa
Steel Hammer with SITI Company. She has worked with Miguel Mckelvey at WeWork
also worked with Awoye Timpo on two of Ngozi developing and managing Impact and DEI
Anyanwu’s plays, The Homecoming Queen programming.
at The Atlantic Theater and Good Grief at The
Vineyard Theater. Patrice worked extensively MIRIRAI SITHOLE (Dez). Positive Psychology
with Kristin Linklater (acclaimed vocal coach, Practitioner (The Flourishing Center), Human
acting teacher and director) and was a part Connection Specialist. BLISSness Founder:
of Kristin’s acting company, The Company Of @AYEDEFY. Award-winning actor: Drama
Women. She has been taught by John Barton, Desk Ensemble Award, Lucille Lortel Award
co-founder of the RSC, Cicely Berry (world- for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play
renowned voice director from the RSC) and for School Girls; Or, The African Mean GirlsPlay. Off-Broadway Theater: (Atlantic Theatre Spanish in 1511. Against all odds and guided
Compnay, MCC, Playwrights Horizons, CSC by their culture and sacred practices, the Taíno
etc). TV (“Black Mirror,” “Russian Doll,” “Broad and Guanahatabey survived colonization by
City,” “Bull,” etc). Happy to be here; Sat nam. escaping to the high mountains and to more
#ComeUhlong remote parts of the island, itself.
SEGUN AKANDE (Jo). New York City: The DANE FIGUEROA EDIDI (Playwright, Benita/Maria).
Homecoming Queen, Atlantic Theater Dubbed the Ancient Jazz Priestess of Mother
Company; The Greek Plays, Naked Angels; Africa, Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi is a Black
Anna Nicole, Brooklyn Academy of Music. Nigerian, Cuban, Indigenous, American
Regional: Arena Stage, Merrimack Repertory performance artist, Helen Hayes nominated
Theatre, Arden Theatre Company, Florida actress, author, educator, speech writer,
Studio Theatre, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Helen Hayes Award winning playwright
Luna Stage and Arrow Rock Lyceum. (Klytmnestra: An Epic Slam Poem (2020), For
Workshops and Labs: New York Theatre Black Trans Girls…, Ghost/Writer, The Diaz
Workshop, Eugene O’Neill Playwrights Family Talent Show, Quest of The Reed Marsh
Conference, HBO/ABFF Showcase, New Daughter, The Dance of Memories), advocate,
Harmony Project, NYSAF Powerhouse, dramaturg, 2x Helen Hayes Award nominated
Playwrights Horizons, Playwrights Realm, choreographer (2016, 2018) and co-editor
National Black Theatre, Classical Theatre of of the Black Trans Prayer Book. She is the
Harlem and Arena Stage. Film/TV: “Random founder of The Inanna D Initiatives, which
Acts of Flyness,” HBO; Burning Sands, Netflix; curates, produces and cultivates events and
“Quantico;” Dirt, World Premiere: Sundance; initiatives designed to center and celebrate the
Upcoming: God’s Time. Education: Duke work of TGNC Artist of Color. Considered one
University, Political Science. of the most prolific artists of our time, she is
the first Trans woman of color to be nominated
MICHAEL LUWOYE (Rob). On Broadway, Michael for a Helen Hayes Award (2016), and in DC to
Luwoye gained significant popularity for publish a work of Fiction (Yemaya’s Daughters,
starring in the critically acclaimed Hamilton 2013). She is the curator and a co-producer
in the leading role as Hamilton, after a very of Long Wharf Theater’s Black Trans Women
successful National Tour in the role. He is also At The Center: An Evening of Short Plays. Her
known to be the only actor to play the role of radio play, Quest of The Reed Marsh Daughter,
Hamilton and the leading role of Burr in the can be heard on the Girl Tale’s Podcast, and
same day. Luwoye then starred alongside her play The Diaz Family Talent Show can be
Jimmy Smitts as a series regular in the NBC read on the Play at Home Website. She was
Drama, “Bluff City Law.” In other television, he featured as Patra in “King Ester’’ and acted
had major recurring roles in Spike Lee’s “She’s as a story consultant for the series. She
Gotta Have It” as well as “The Gifted” for Fox. wrote Episode 9 (“Refuge”) of Round House
Luwoye Guest Starred in “The Magicians” for Theater’s web series “Homebound,” and was
SyFy. Luwoye received a Lucille Lortel Award one of the writers for Arena Stage’s short film
Nomination, for Best Actor in a Musical for his The 51st State. www.LadyDaneFE.com.
moving portrayal of Jacob, Ugandan dreamer,
in Invisible Thread. Luwoye also originated the CHRIS HERBIE HOLLAND (Jim Carter III). Regional:
role of Tosh in the World Premiere of Marley for White Noise (Berkeley Rep), The Box (Z
Baltimore Center Stage. Other regional credits Space), 12 Angry Men (Northern Stage), Six
include roles in Carboard Piano at Actor’s Degrees of Separation (Theatre Workshop of
Theatre of Louisville and Witness Uganda at Nantucket). Williamstown: Tempo, Soft. NYU:
American Repertory Theatre. Luwoye is an Zooman and the Sign, Ma Rainey’s Black
Alabama native and graduate of the University Bottom, Othello, Hamlet, Animal Farm. BA:
of Alabama. Dartmouth College. MFA: NYU Grad Acting.
MARQUISE VILSÓN (Tio) is a trans masculine
REFUGEES/SOLILOQUY activist and actor. Marquise was introduced to
TV audiences in 2017 when he guest-starred
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: CUBA in a critically acclaimed episode of “Law &
Usa Weyu da luku, Good morning my people. Order: SVU” that addressed the issues faced
We honor the Land of the Taínos and the by transgender military service members. He
Guanahatabey peoples, originally named made his New York stage debut Off-Broadway
Cubanascnan (where fertile land is abundant). as Beta in MCC Theatre’s Charm, and his
This land was first “officially” colonized by the feature film debut as Leon in Peter Hedges’Ben is Back opposite Lucas Hedges. Other We honor the Land of the Taíno people, Ayiti
projects include The Kitchen, starring Melissa (land of mountains), Bohio (home) and Kiskeya
McCarthy and Tiffany Haddish, NBC’s “The (roughless far land). In 1492, Cristobal Colon
Blacklist,” CBS’s “Bull,” Netflix’s “Tales of and his men landed on these shores and
the City,” Netflix’s “Disclosure” and NBC’s began the cycle of colonization. Against all
“Blindspot.” As a young trans masc POC, odds and guided by their culture and sacred
Marquise was featured in the documentary practices, the Taíno survived by escaping to
The Aggressives (2005) and is featured in the high mountains and to more remote parts
and serves as a producer on the follow-up of the island, itself.
that is now being filmed. Marquise is a long-
standing member and participant of the We acknowledge the Indigenous peoples of
underground ballroom scene. A force and this land and their ancestral influences by way
well-respected leader in ballroom, Marquise of oral traditions, culture and spirituality still
has walked numerous categories throughout present today. We celebrate the resilient Taíno
the years and is a known staple within the people who continue to thrive in this area and
community. Currently as a member of the all over the world.
House of Balenciaga, in 2018 he received
the Octavia St. Laurent Trans Activist Award, JEFF AUGUSTIN (Playwright) is a Miami born
the Masquerade Blue Print Award, has been playwright. His plays include Where the
deemed as a Transman ICON in 2018 and was Mountain Meets the Sea (Humana Festival of
inducted into the Dorian Corey Hall of Fame New American Plays); The New Englanders
in 2020, one of the few Transmen to have had (Manhattan Theatre Club); Little Children
such an impact in and outside of the ballroom Dream of God (Roundabout Theatre
community. In 2011, Marquise was given the Company); The Last Tiger in Haiti (La Jolla
Eric Christian Bazaar Award for his work with Playhouse and Berkeley Rep) and Cry Old
Safe Horizons Streetwork Project as a Sexual Kingdom (Humana Festival). He translated
Health Coordinator doing both pre and post Our Town into Haitian Creole for Miami New
counseling as well as HIV testing focusing on Drama’s multilingual production. Jeff was the
homeless youth, many of which in NYC are a Shank Playwright-in-Residence at Playwrights
part of the LGBTQ+ community. As one the Horizons and the inaugural Tow Foundation
few and first transmen men of color publicly Playwright-in-Residence at Roundabout. He is
out in both acting and advocacy spaces, an alumni of the New York Theatre Workshop
Marquise has and continues to provide a 2050 Fellowship; Rita Goldberg Playwright’s
positive reflection for his community, blazing a Workshop at the Lark; and The Working Farm
trail and creating a path for those that follow in at SPACE on Ryder Farm. Jeff is currently
his footsteps. under commission from Manhattan Theatre
Club and La Jolla Playhouse. TV Credits:
L MORGAN LEE (Madame Mary) (she/her) is an “Claws” (TNT); “The Morning Show” (Apple)
award-winning actress and seeker of light. and “The Good Lord Bird” (Showtime).
Her performance in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Current projects in development with Fox
musical, A Strange Loop, garnered her an Searchlight; Netflix; and Film4. BA: Boston
Obie award as well as nominations for both College, MFA: UC San Diego.
Lucille Lortel and Antonyo Awards. That
production gave L Morgan the distinction of RUSSELL G. JONES (Arnaud) is an AUDELCO, Obie
being the first openly trans actress to originate and SAG Award-winning actor. Most recently
a role in a Pulitzer Prize winning piece of he was a series regular on CBS’s “Tommy”
theater. Other credits include National and opposite Edie Falco. A fixture on New York City
International tours, and projects with Long stages since the 90’s, Russell is proud to have
Wharf Theater, Musical Theatre Factory, Ars originated roles in Lynn Nottage’s Ruined,
Nova, 5th Avenue Theater and more. She is Suzan-Lori Parks’ Father Comes Home From
dedicated to being a part of work centering The Wars Parts 1, 2 & 3, Tanya Barfield’s The
underrepresented voices on both stage and Call, Fernanda Coppel’s King Liz and two
screen. For more info: by Stephen Adly Guirgis Our Lady of 121st
lmorganlee.com or @lmorganlee on IG. Street and In Arabia We’d All Be Kings. Some
film highlights include Motherless Brooklyn,
UNTITLED PALM SPRINGS PLAY Detroit, Side Effects, Traffic & Robert Patton
Spruill’s Squeeze. Recent TV includes “Bull,”
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: HAITI “Orange Is The New Black,” “The Last OG,”
Usa Weyu da luku, Good morning my people. “Godless” and “The Americans.” He is thefounder and Chief of Pedagogy at BLIND Portland. Platonov, Ivanov, The Seagull,
SPOT EXPERIENCE, a campaign that The Cherry Orchard, Lake Lucille. TV: “The
facilitates cross cultural dialogue and critical Blacklist,” “Madame Secretary,” “The Big C,”
thinking by providing context and tools for “Smash,” “Law and Order: SVU” (recurring
perceiving racial inequity. Dr. Sloane), “CI,” “Trial by Jury,” (7) “The
West Wing,” “Sex and the City,” “The High
TL THOMPSON (Nicholas) credits: Broadway: Life,” “The Good Wife,” “Nurse Jackie,”
Straight White Men (Second Stage Theater). “Rescue Me.” Film: Irrational Man, A Vigilante,
Off-Broadway: Is This A Room? (Half Straddle, Margaret, The Bleeding House, Arbitrage, The
Vineyard Theater); Lessons In Survival Oranges, You Can Count on Me, Motherhood,
(Vineyard Theater); You Were Mine (Kane Music of the Heart, Winter Passing. Received
Repertory Theatre); Waafrika 123 (National the 2007 Obie for Sustained Excellence of
Queer Theatre). Podcasts: “Meet Cute” (Apple Performance. Directing: A Doll’s House Part
Podcasts); “Adventures in New America” 2 George Street, Ultimate Beauty Bible NYU
(Night Vale Presents) “Welcome to Night Vale.” Tisch.
Webseries: “These/Thems” (Outfest Now),
“Dinette” Season 2, Dir. Shaina Feinberg RICKY RAMÓN (Stage Manager) has over 20 years
(NewFest 2020). Films: While We Breathe of teaching experience at the middle school,
(NAACP fundraiser for BLM, 2020); Flu$h high school, and collegiate levels. Currently, he
(Femme Power Productions); Friday Afternoon is on the teaching faculty at Howard University
(NYC Independent Film Festival). TL is also in Washington, D.C. Ricky has directed and
a NY Neo-Futurist, performing frequently in stage managed over 60 plays and musicals
The Infinite Wrench, an ongoing attempt to including at Theater Alliance, Imagination
perform 30 plays in one hour. Upcoming: The Stage, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company,
Hunted (Fight the Good Fight Productions); Teatro Vivo and Howard University. He travels
TL is the voice of a new trans character in The extensively across the country educating
Magic The Gathering video game (Hasbro/ students and teachers in college and career
Wizards of the Coast). TLThompsonactor.com. readiness, theatre performance, curriculum
development, anti-racism and social equity,
BETSY AIDEM (Abigail). New York: Broadway: and arts integration. He serves as a judge
All The Way (Tony Best Play), Beautiful. Off- for the Helen Hayes Awards for professional
Broadway: Final Follies Primary Stages at theatre in Washington D.C. Ricky earned a
Cherry Lane, Nikolai and the Others Lincoln Master of Education in Arts in Education
Center, Dreams of Falling Dreams of Flying at from Harvard University, a Master of Fine
Atlantic, The Metal Children and Mary Rose Arts in Acting and Directing from Texas Tech
at The Vineyard. Crooked, Women’s Project; University and a Master of Arts in Performance
Celebration and Sea of Tranquility at Atlantic; Studies from New York University-Tisch
Stone Cold Dead Serious, Edge; The Triple School of the Arts. He received a Bachelor
Happiness, Second Stage; Good Thing, of Arts degree in English and Theatre from
The New Group; The Butterfly Collection, the University of Notre Dame. Ricky Ramón is
Playwright’s Horizons; Luminescence originally from Pearsall, Texas.
Dating, EST; Perapalas, McGinn Cazalle;
Steel Magnolias, Lortel; A Lie of the Mind,
Promenade; Escape from Happiness, Naked TIGRESS OF SAN DOMINGUE
Angels; Five Women Wearing the Same
Dress, MCC; Road, Lincoln Center Theater; LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: HAITI
Balm in Gilead, Circle Rep and Minetta Usa Weyu da luku, Good morning my people.
Lane. Regional theater includes: Romeo and We honor the Land of the Taíno people, Ayiti
Juliet, Chicago Shakespeare Theater; All The (land of mountains), Bohio (home) and Kiskeya
Way, ART; Mama’s Boy, Good Theater and (roughless far land). In 1492, Cristobal Colon
George Street Playhouse; The Whore and and his men landed on these shores and
Mrs. Moore, Dorset Theatre Festival; God of began the cycle of colonization. Against all
Carnage, George Street Playhouse; Circle odds and guided by their culture and sacred
Mirror Transformation, Huntington; Sweet practices, the Taíno survived by escaping to
Bird of Youth and The Sugar Syndrome at the high mountains and to more remote parts
Williamstown; Jolson Sings Again, George of the island, itself.
Street; 1000 Airplanes on the Roof, ART,
Sadlers Wells and European Tour; Seven, We acknowledge the Indigenous peoples of
International; The Miser, Hartford; Miss Julie, this land and their ancestral influences by way
of oral traditions, culture and spirituality stillpresent today. We celebrate the resilient Taíno at Long Wharf, Everybody Black at Actors
people who continue to thrive in this area and Theatre of Louisville and School Girls at
all over the world. Berkeley Rep. Awoye is the Founding Producer
of CLASSIX, a series exploring plays by Black
FRANCE-LUCE BENSON (Playwright). As a writers. Theclassix.org.
playwright and arts educator, France-Luce
Benson was named “Someone to Watch” in CHINA BRICKEY (Valentine) is an equity actress
2019 by American Theatre magazine, and currently based in Minneapolis, MN. This
her play Talking Peace topped the list of summer she was named the City Pages’
most impactful plays in the Together L.A.: “Best Actor in the Twin Cities 2020!” Before
ATLA Virtual Theatre Festival. Tigress of San the pandemic, she was to star in the Midwest
Domingue, the second in her trilogy about the Premiere of Brittany K. Allen’s Redwood.
Haitian Revolution, was named a finalist of the Other recent Twin Cities credits include:
Bay Area Playwrights Festival 2020, and was Lizzie in Kate Hamill’s Pride and Prejudice,
selected for The Playwrights Center’s Afro Juliet in Romeo & Juliet: Park Square Theater;
Atlantic Playwrights Festival. She is a recipient “Smokey Joe’s Café”: Ordway Theatre and Ms.
of a Miranda Family Foundation grant for her Honey in Matilda the Musical at the Children’s
play Detained, an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Theater Company. She’s also worked with
New Play Commission for her play The Devil’s the nationally renowned Guthrie Theatre
Salt and a Princess Grace Award runner up and Penumbra Theater, and has appeared in
for Boat People. Additional honors include: various national commercials. It is such an
Zoetrope Grand Prize for her screenplay honor and a privilege to read this beautiful,
Caroline’s Wedding; Dramatists Guild tragic, empowering play with such skillful
Fellow 2016-17, Sam French OOB Festival artists from across the country, and to be a
Winner, NNPN Award for Risen from the part of this festival!
Dough, and three-time Kilroy List Honorable
Mention. Residencies include Djerassi, the SAFIYA FREDERICKS (Madame Broussard) was
Camargo Foundation in France and Instituto most recently seen onstage as a company
Sacatar in Bahia, Brazil. Her plays have had member at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
productions, workshops, and readings at performing in Hairspray and How to Catch
Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Crossroads Creation. She was the recipient of the Bay Area
Theatre New Jersey, City Theatre of Miami, Theatre Critics Circle Award for Best Featured
The Playwrights Center in Minneapolis, Loyola Actress for her work in Black Odyssey at
Marymount University, Global Black Voices in CalShakes, and has been seen onstage at
London, and in New York: New Black Fest at Yale Rep, A.C.T, Berkeley Rep and more. She
The Lark, The Billie Holiday Theatre and the has been a guest artist with Society Theatre
Ensemble Studio Theatre New York, where she Company’s Cheap Date series and is featured
is a company member. She’s been published in the films Sorry To Bother You, Bitter Melon
by Sam French and Routledge Press. After and the upcoming I’m Charlie Walker.
graduating from FIU, she went on to earn
an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie DAN HOPMAN (Sonthonax) is a Twin Cities based
Mellon University. Teaching appointments actor. He has performed at The Children’s
have included UCLA Extension, St. John’s Theatre Company, Park Square Theatre,
University and Columbia University. She is Theatre Latte Da, Illusion Theatre, History
currently based in Los Angeles, California Theatre, Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company,
where she serves as the Community Gremlin Theatre and the Playwright’s Center.
Engagement Coordinator at The Fountain
Theatre. FEDNA JACQUET (Freda/Cecile) was born in
Boston to Haitian parents. She is a full-time
AWOYE TIMPO (Director) is a director and writer and actor in NYC. She is a 2020-
producer based in Brooklyn, NY. Her work 2022 National Black Theatre Playwright in
has been seen on stages around the country Residence, 2019-2021 Huntington Theatre
and in Scotland and South Africa. Her New Playwriting Fellow and a 2019 NYSCA/NYFA
York directing credits include The Loophole Artist Fellow in Playwriting/Screenwriting.
(Public Theater), In Old Age (New York Theatre Written work for the screen includes Isaiah
Workshop), Carnaval (National Black Theatre), (ABFF/TVOne Screenplay Competition
Good Grief (Vineyard Theatre and Audible) Finalist), Homebase (Juilliard/NYU Grad
and The Homecoming Queen (Atlantic Theater Acting), Inheritance (2020 Tribeca Chanel
Company). Regionally she has directed Through Her Lens Finalist), Circus (2020
Pipeline at the Studio Theatre, Paradise Blue HollyShorts Quarterfinalist) and GoingHome. Written plays include Pefeksyon to have aided other actors with their careers
(Playwright’s Realm Finalist, DVRF Finalist, and helped them find credible representation.
Studio Tisch), Inheritance (Classical Theatre Needless to say his world is engulfed in this
of Harlem Playwright’s Playground, Studio craft and art of being an actor.
Tisch), Civic Duty (Commissioned by Suny
Purchase), Gurlfriend and Heroes (Developed MARGARET ODETTE (Jerouge) is thrilled to be
as a Huntington Fellow). Fedna is currently reuniting with France-Luce and Awoye for
recurring on “City On A Hill” (Showtime) MixFest! A native New Yorker by way of Haiti,
and “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS) BA: Brown she has performed with Rattlestick Theater,
University MFA: NYU/Tisch Grad Acting. The Long Wharf Theater, Williamstown and
Chautauqua, among others. In 2019 Margaret
RUSSELL G. JONES (Toussaint L’Ouverture) is an portrayed Hero in The Public Theater’s Much
AUDELCO, Obie and SAG Award-winning Ado About Nothing, which PBS recorded for
actor. Most recently he was a series regular on its Great Performances series. Pre-pandemic,
CBS’s “Tommy” opposite Edie Falco. A fixture she was fortunate to star in the World Premiere
on New York City stages since the 90’s, Russell of Revenge Song at The Geffen Playhouse. TV:
is proud to have originated roles in Lynn “Instinct,” “Elementary” (CBS), “Blindspot”
Nottage’s Ruined, Suzan-Lori Parks’ Father (NBC). Margaret will next appear in the
Comes Home From The Wars Parts 1, 2 & 3, feature film Boogie, and will star in the new
Tanya Barfield’s The Call, Fernanda Coppel’s Netflix series “Sex/Life.” Education: BA Brown
King Liz and two by Stephen Adly Guirgis University, MFA NYU Tisch.
Our Lady of 121st Street and In Arabia We’d
All Be Kings. Some film highlights include BECHIR SYLVAIN (Ogun/Jean Jacques Dessalines)
Motherless Brooklyn, Detroit, Side Effects, is a multi-hyphenate Haitian-American actor,
Traffic & Robert Patton Spruill’s Squeeze. writer, director and producer who plays EJ
Recent TV includes “Bull,” “Orange Is The on the TNT’s hit series, “Claws” and Willie
New Black,” “The Last OG,” “Godless” and on BET’s hit series, “Bigger.” A lifetime
“The Americans.” He is the founder and Chief member of The Actors Studio, Bechir studied
of Pedagogy at BLIND SPOT EXPERIENCE, drama at Southern Methodist University and
a campaign that facilitates cross cultural co-founded Ground Up & Rising Theater
dialogue and critical thinking by providing Company in Miami where he grew up after
context and tools for perceiving racial inequity. immigrating from Haiti as a teenager. Bechir
has performed at Arizona Theater Company,
GUYVIAUD JOSEPH (Bertrand) pronounced (giv- Gablestage, American Stage, Summer
e-odd); is a first generation Haitian-American Shorts, Ground Up & Rising, Gorilla Theater
born and raised in Linden, New Jersey. The and Theater 68 where he earned a Best
Penn State graduate with a degree in Business/ Ensemble NAACP Theater Award win for his
Marketing began his training during his performance as Malcolm X in the play The
undergraduate education. He performed in Meeting. Most recently, Bechir starred in the
several theatrical productions including the role theatrical production of The Royale by Marco
of Troy in Fences, written by August Wilson. Ramirez as the lead playing Jay “The Sport”
After PSU he went to work as an Account Jackson. His television credits also include
Executive at CBS News for several years, and guest starring on “Chicago, PD” (NBC), “Better
decided to pursue his passion as an actor. Call Saul” (AMC), “Black-ish” (ABC), “Grace
Since the change in his career he has trained and Frankie,” (Netflix), “Fuller House” (Netflix)
with notable acting coaches throughout the and “The Mick” (FOX). He was supporting lead
New York area; working with renowned acting in the Hallmark drama The Ultimate Life and
coaches Bob Krawkower, Susan Batson had a supporting role in American Zoetrope’s
and Wynn Handman. Since his first role in Life After Beth. Fluent in French and Haitian
a major network series in 2014 (co-star in Creole, Bechir has appeared in over 32
“Unforgettable”), he has booked a consistent national and regional commercials. He was
stream of roles. Between filming different the inaugural grand prize winner of the “ABC
projects he began to take on roles in production Discovers” showcase and has won Best Actor
and has produced a few award-winning film at American Black Film Festival. Next, he can
projects. He has produced films, episodics be seen in the Netflix streaming series “Black
and various forms of film productions. With Summer.”
the knowledge he has learned about the acting
industry, he began sharing his insight to coach JHANAË BONNICK (Stage Manager) (she/her/hers)
actors on the Business of Acting. He is grateful is a Caribbean-American AEA Stage Manager
and Administrator based in New York City. Sheis also a core leader in Everybody Black, a new AWOYE TIMPO (Director) is a director and
membership organization whose goal is to producer based in Brooklyn, NY. Her work
make the American Theatre Industry not only has been seen on stages around the country
anti-racist, but pro-Black and she was recently and in Scotland and South Africa. Her New
selected for the inaugural list of “Women to York directing credits include The Loophole
Watch on Broadway.” Jhanaë’s credits include (Public Theater), In Old Age (New York
- Broadway: Caroline, or Change; Slave Play; Theatre Workshop), Carnaval (National
Hadestown; Gary; Six Degrees of Separation Black Theatre), Good Grief (Vineyard Theatre
and The Cherry Orchard. Select Off-Broadway: and Audible) and The Homecoming Queen
RECONSTRUCTION, Octet, Rags Parkland (Atlantic Theater Company). Regionally she
Sings the Songs of the Future, Primer for a has directed Pipeline at the Studio Theatre,
Failed Superpower. Select Regional: Lempicka. Paradise Blue at Long Wharf, Everybody
@jhanaekcb Black at Actors Theatre of Louisville and
School Girls at Berkeley Rep. Awoye is the
A SHERO’S JOURNEY OR WHAT Founding Producer of CLASSIX, a series
exploring plays by Black writers. Theclassix.
ANACAONA AND YEMAYÁ TAUGHT org.
ME DILSON HERNANDEZ (Composer) is a performing
artist from the Bronx, NY. His talents include
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC creative writing, playing various instruments,
Usa Weyu da luku, Good morning my people. spoken-word poetry, singing, audio
We honor the Land of the Taíno people, engineering, and beat making. Although
originally named Ayiti (land of mountains), self taught in many of his skills, he received
Bohio (home) and Kiskeya (roughless far a Bachelor of Arts in both English and
land). In 1492, Cristobal Colon and his men Music from the University at Albany. He also
landed on these shores and began the cycle of became a certified Audio Engineer at the
colonization. Against all odds and guided by Institute of Audio Research. Dilson wishes to
their culture and sacred practices, the Taíno change the world with his art and community
survived by escaping to the high mountains work (mostly for youth), aiming to strive for a
and to more remote parts of the island, itself. more progressive and creative future. Some
of his work abroad includes teaching English
We acknowledge the Indigenous peoples of in Haiti and helping build a dorm space for
this land and their ancestral influences by way underprivileged children in rural India. Some
of oral traditions, culture, and spirituality still of his work at home includes facilitating
present today. We celebrate the resilient Taíno music related workshops with youth in public
people who continue to thrive in this area and schools via Urban Art Beat and advocating at
all over the world. courtrooms for 16-21 year-old incarcerated
GUADALÍS DEL CARMEN (Playwright, Co-Producer) youth in NYC via Friends of Island Academy.
is an Ars Nova Resident Artist and Co-
Artistic Director of the Latinx Playwrights
CHRISTOPHER CASSARINO (White Jesús). Off-
Off Broadway: Last Days of Judas Iscariot.
Circle NYC. Her plays include Not For Sale
Regional: Williamstown Theatre Festival:
(UrbanTheater Company, Jeff Award New Play
Curse of the Starving Class, Blue Ridge.
Nominee 2019), My Father’s Keeper (part of
Watertower Theatre: All My Sons. TV: “New
Steppenwolf Theatre’s The Mix, The Kilroys
Amsterdam,” “The Right Stuff,” “Law and
Honorable Mention 2019), Bees and Honey
Order: SVU,” “Blue Bloods,” “NCIS: NOLA,”
(The Kilroys List 2019, LAByrinth Theater/
“The Code,” “Mercy Street,” “Army Wives.”
The SOL Project 2020 production postponed
MFA: NYU Grad Acting.
due to COVID-19), Daughters of the Rebellion
(Montclair State University 2019, The Kilroys
Honorable Mention 2017, 50Playwrights
PATRICE JOHNSON CHEVANNES (Yamayá/Tía) is an
award-winning, Brooklyn-based filmmaker,
Project Best Unproduced Latinx Plays 2017),
actress, writer, educator, director and the
A Shero’s Journey or What Anacaona and
founder and executive producer of God-
Yemayá Taught Me (Yale Magazine 2019, The
and-all-o-wee Productions. She was born in
Parsnip Ship Podcast Season 4), Blowout
Jamaica, West Indies, grew up in New York
(Aguijón Theater 2013). She has performed as
City and started her undergraduate career
an actor in Chicago, NYC, and most recently
at Cornell University, where she discovered
The Repertory of St. Louis in Luis Alfaro’s
that acting and not engineering was her
Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles.calling. Leaving Cornell behind she began Billy Porter, and “SHRILL” on Hulu, Season 2
studying acting at The City College of New starring SNL’s Aidy Bryant. Patrice recently
York (CUNY), graduating Phi Beta Kappa, joined the faculty of The New School, where
with a Bachelors of Fine Arts. From there, she she teaches acting in The School of Drama at
began a vibrant and multifaceted career, which The College of Performing Arts.
included acting in numerous plays on and
off Broadway. She has shared the stage with CINDY DE LA CRUZ (Zoila) is a Bronx bred first
acclaimed actors such as Academy Award generation Dominican American Artist and
Nominees, Liam Neeson and Laura Linney in Producer. She is Co-Artistic Director of The
The Crucible and Sir Patrick Stewart, opposite Dominican Artists Collective, where she
whom she played Desdemona, in Othello. curates and executive produces work by
Patrice also has collaborated with acclaimed Dominican artists. She’s most interested in
directors such as Sir Richard Eyre (former telling stories that raise the visibility of Black
Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Latinxs and dismantles the anti-black rhetoric
Company) with whom she did Racing Demon in the Latinx community. Most recently
and The Crucible on Broadway; Sir Trevor she was a top 12 finalist for the Nosotros
Nunn (former Artistic Director for the RSC Organization Ya Tu Sabes Monologue Slam
and Tony Award winning director of Cats) on presented by NBC. Recent credits include:
Shakespeare’s Pericles at Theater For A New Off Broadway: The Siblings Play (Rattlestick
Audience “TFANA”; Sir Michael Boyd (former Playwrights Theater); The Niceties (Geva
Artistic Director of the RSC) on Tamburlaine Theatre); DreamHou$e (ArsNova); Storm Still
at TFANA; John Ortiz (Artistic Director of The (Sheen Center); Our Town (Olney Theater
LAByrinth Theater Company) on Pulitzer Prize Center); Hop ThA A (Drama League/ Asolo
winning playwright, Stephen Adly Guirgis’, Repertory Theatre); Stupid Fucking Bird
Halfway Bitches Go Straight To Heaven, a (Arden Theater & Urbanite Theatre); Joe
co-production with The LAByrinth Theater and Turner’s Come and Gone (American Stage);
Atlantic Theater Company; Awoye Timpo and Dearly Departed (WestCoast Black Theatre
Loretta Greco, on runboyrun/In Old Age, two Troupe). TV: “The Village” (NBC); “Blue
plays in Mfoniso Udofia’s, Ufot Cycle at NYTW; Bloods” (CBS). Film: Kilroy Was Here (Dir.
Robert O’Hara on Henry V with The Public Kevin Smith); What Doesn’t Float (Dir. Luca
Theater’s Mobil Unit; Peter Sellars (acclaimed Balser/Gummy Films). www.Cindy-DeLaCruz.
director and educator) at The Venice Biennale com Pa’ La Cultura.
International Festival of Theater; Rebecca
Taichman (Tony Award Winner, Indecent) on DAVID ANZUELO (Wise Guy). Off-Broadway acting
Danai Gurira’s Familiar at Yale Repertory; credits: Halfway Bitches Go Straight To
Jude Kelly (Artistic Director of the Southbank Heaven (Labyrinth/Atlantic); Fishmen (INTAR).
Centre in London and Cultural Curator of the Intimacy (New Group). Knives & Other
2012 London Olympics) on Othello; Anne Sharp Objects (Public/Lab). Regional acting:
Bogart and Julia Wolfe (Pulitzer for Music) on Mother Road (Arena); Oedipus El Rey (Woolly
Steel Hammer with SITI Company. She has Mammoth). Our Town (Northern Stage). The
also worked with Awoye Timpo on two of Ngozi Motherf*cker With The Hat (Kitchen Theater);
Anyanwu’s plays, The Homecoming Queen Blade To The Heat (Apple Tree). International
at The Atlantic Theater and Good Grief at The tour: Peter Sellar’s The Merchant of Venice
Vineyard Theater. Patrice worked extensively (Chicago/London/Hamburg/Paris). Film
with Kristin Linklater (acclaimed vocal coach, acting: A NY Christmas Wedding; A Walk
acting teacher and director) and was a part Among The Tombstones; Remember Me. TV:
of Kristin’s acting company, The Company Of “Succession;” “The Americans;” “Deadbeat;”
Women. She has been taught by John Barton, “Elementary;” “White Collar;” “Blue Bloods;”
co-founder of the RSC, Cicely Berry (world- “Strangers;” “Person Of Interest.”
renowned voice director from the RSC) and
Alison Bomber (voice coach currently with the JESUS E. MARTINEZ (Amor) Jesus is humbled
RSC). In 2020, Patrice garnered Drama Desk and excited to be a part of African Caribbean
and Drama League nominations for her work MixFest! As a native New Yorker of Dominican
in runboyrun/In Old Age, and an AUDELCO descent, Jesus is a bilingual actor/voice
nomination for her role in Halfway Bitches actor who’s been in the industry for over 17
Go Straight To Heaven. Patrice can be seen years and counting. He’s lended his voice to
in the Netflix drama, “Chambers,” starring numerous radio/TV ad campaigns, radio/
Uma Thurman and Tony Goldwyn, the Emmy film/TV productions, audiobooks, video
Award winning “POSE” FX Season 2 starring games, museum tours and more! He’s also
a proud ensemble member of the New Yorkbased Latinx theater companies of Repertorio RICARDO CHAVIRA (Papá Colón). A Native of
Español, Pregones/PRTT and Society of South Texas, Ricardo Chavira received his
the Educational Arts (SEA). He was recently MFA in acting from UC San Diego’s renowned
featured in the West Coast Premiere of John graduate program in 2000 and moved directly
Leguizamo’s musical comedy Kiss My Aztec, to Los Angeles. Ricardo’s breakout television
starred in the New York Spanish-language role came in 2004 as a series regular on ABC’s
version of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar definitive “Desperate Housewives,” portraying
Wao theatrical production, and will be featured Carlos Solis, the husband to Eva Longoria’s
in the upcoming film Little Squares, and Gaby. Recently, Ricardo has had roles on
playing the role of “Papi” in the animated CBS’ “Kevin Can Wait,” CW’s series “Jane The
series “Alma’s Way” (PBS Kids) both slated Virgin,” Netflix’s “The Santa Clarita Diet” with
to be released later in 2021. JesusEMartinez. Timothy Olyphant and Drew Barrymore and
com, Instagram/Twitter: mrtnz1393 ABC’s “Scandal.” Ricardo is currently working
on Netflix’s “Selena The Series” playing
ADESOLA OSAKALUMI (Ssssnake and Orisha the role of her father, Abraham Quintanilla,
Tradition Consultant). Coal Country, Othello
due out winter 2020. Ricardo made his big
& Cullad Wattah (The Public Theater).
screen debut with John Lee Hancock’s The
Eyewitness Blues (NYTW), Jam On The
Alamo, alongside Dennis Quaid and Billy Bob
Groove (Mineta Lane). Film: School of Rock.
Thornton. He has appeared in a variety of films
(Actor): runboyrun (NYTW), Syncing Ink (Flea
since then, including the award-winning indie
Theater), Broadway: FELA!, Equus. Film/TV:
Don’t Let Me Drown; and Rob Reiner’s Being
Red Pill, ICE, Sex & The City 2, Enchanted,
Charlie. Recently, he wrapped on REEFA, an
Across The Universe, Ibrahim. Awards: Bessie
indie film based on the true story of Miami
Award, Drama Desk Nominee.
street artist Israel Hernandez, a victim of
JUDY REYES (Anacaona/Mamá Colón) is a police brutality. Ricardo prides his versatility
Dominican-American actress born in the as an actor specifically in his great theater
Bronx. Best known for her role as Carla in the roles, such as Valdez in the Off-Broadway hit
iconic television show “Scrubs” and the role of production Jesus Hopped the A Train; the lead
Zoila on Lifetime’s hit show “Devious Maids.” in the National Theatre UK award-winning
Judy currently stars as Quiet Ann on the hit run of The Motherfucker with the Hat; Peter
TNT series, “Claws.” Recurring roles include: Stockmann in the Guthrie Theatre production
Lala on FX’s “Better Things,” Dina on the of Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People; Stanley
CW’s “Jane the Virgin,” Ramona on Netflix’s Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire also
“One Day at a Time,” Deb on the TBS series at the Guthrie; and Orlando in the Geffen
“Search Party,” Irene Vega on Bravo’s “Dirty Playhouse’s production of The Untranslatable
John” and Eva on HBO’s “Succession.” She Secrets Of Nikki Corona. If you ask him, it’s his
has also appeared in such films as Gun Hill role of father to his two children he cherishes
Road, The Circle and All Together Now, which most of all.
premiered this past August on Netflix. Reyes
has worked extensively in television, theater JHANAË BONNICK (Stage Manager). See bio under
and film for the last 20 years and remains a Tigress of San Domingue.
founding member of NYC’s Labyrinth Theater
Company. Reyes is thrilled to be expanding LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT FURTHER NOTES:
her role in Hollywood by executive-producing **The Taíno are also the original caretakers of
an animated video series entitled “LaGolda.” the occupied island of Boriken; known today
Sponsored by UnitedHealthcare’s “Do Good. as Puerto Rico.
Live Well.” initiative, “LaGolda” tells the story
of an eight-year-old Latina orphan who uses **The Taíno language is currently being
soccer to bring awareness to a variety of social restored/re-constructed, inspired by other
and environmental issues with the goal of Arawakan languages, and is the work of Taíno
engaging kids to take action and give back to Cacique Jorge Baracutei Estevez.
their communities. Inspired by the animation,
Reyes and its creator, George Valencia, started SPECIAL THANKS TO:
the Sound of Gol Foundation, whose mission Kyla Garcia, Irka Mateo and Mary Kathryn
is to build strong leaders for tomorrow through Nagle.
the game of soccer.You can also read
